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Description
this programme shows how the Simplex Method can be used to solve complex linear programming problems.
Metadata describing this Open University video programme
Module code and title: M351, Numerical computation
Item code: M351; 03
First transmission date: 11-05-1976
Published: 1976
Rights Statement:
Restrictions on use:
Duration: 00:24:00
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Producer: John Richmond
Contributors: Bill Arms; Paul Williams
Publisher: BBC Open University
Keyword(s): Linear programming
Footage description: The programme opens with a brief cartoon showing the folly of computing calculations that have not been thoroughly worked through. Arms introduces the multi-period blending problem from Unit 6, which is displayed on a wall diagram. He explains that the Simplex method is useful for solving complex linear programming problems. To explain the Simplex method, Arms discusses the simple example: maximise z = 3x1 2x2 He arranges this into standard and canonical matrices and represents these in graphical form. He shows how the Simplex method operates. Arms moves to the studio VDU computer terminal where he calculates the values of the basic variables. The wall graphs used to show how the calculation proceeds. Paul Williams, of Sussex University, uses a flow chart to explain the main loop of the Simplex method, and that it is an iterative procedure. He takes a new problem and shows it in the form of a three dimensional model. He explains that the faces of the model correspond to the constraints of the problem. Arms calculates the reduced costs of 3 variables at the computer terminal and explains how to interpret these results. Williams shows how Arms' calculations are represented on the 3-D model and on the flow chart of the problem. Over a mathematical animation, Arms explains the pivoting process. Williams reviews the whole problem on the flow-chart. With the help of the 3-D model, Williams shows how to solve the problem from scratch. At the computer terminal, Arms calculates variables and reduced costs, while Williams clarifies these steps on the 3-D model. The calculations are completed. Arms concludes the programme by stressing that the aim of the course is to explain how to solve larger, more complex problems than the present examples.
Master spool number: 6HT/71995
Production number: 00525_4222
Videofinder number: 850
Available to public: no